Masahiro Tanaka Heading To MLB After Japanese Team Agrees To Post

The posting process for Japanese Pacific League Rakuten Eagles P Masahiro Tanaka officially began today and will remain open until Jan. 24. Scouts believe Tanaka is “easily the best available starter on the market this winter,” and is “considered as close to a can’t-miss as there is” (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 12/26). The Eagles initially had rejected the new posting system and stated their intentions to retain Tanaka “before Wednesday’s change of heart” (AP, 12/25). Tanaka will be represented by Excel Sports Management’s Casey Close, who also represents Yankees SS Derek Jeter (NJ.com, 12/25).